[B-Greek] Grain in Matthew 17:20

Brent Hudson brent at riveroflifembchurch.com
Thu Oct 2 07:56:14 EDT 2003


KOKKOS in Matthew 17.20, the word can refer to the "pouch" or "seed" of a female insect (kermes) which were dried and then used to make a purple/scarlet dye (cf., BAGD). It is a reasonable development for the meaning of KOKKOS to eventually refer to the colour of the dye itself. 

When words have more than one possible meaning, one is not more correct than the other (e.g., in English apology = "defence" and apology = "expression of regret". Context will determine which was intended). In the case of Matthew 17.20, the word SINAPI (mustard) clarifies KOKKOS as referring to 'seed' not the kermesberry.

Brent Hudson


-----Original Message-----

If my reading is correct "grain" in Matthew 17:20 is translated Cedron, which according to Moulton and Milligan is black or turpid or a torrent and is used in reference to the brook of the same name. Why would translators take the liberty of using grain? Maybe "black" mustard seed would be more appropriate? I am new at Greek so be sensitive.
Thanks
Doug Hammond
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